How Is A Migraine Different Than A Headache?
Having pressure or pain in your head can be remarkably uncomfortable, frustrating, and disruptive. In fact, headaches often prevent men and women from going to work, caring for their families, and enjoying everyday life in general. For patients who suffer from frequent or regular headaches, this is particularly problematic. At The Wellness Institute of Dallas, our caring team of experts is committed to helping patients find the cause of their headaches and achieve rapid and reliable relief so they can get back to their favorite activities comfortably and confidently. Keep reading for a closer look at the basics of headache pain and treatment, including how to determine whether you are experiencing a headache or a migraine.
Why do I have a headache?
There are virtually endless reasons why you may be experiencing headache pain, and it is important to identify the likeliest cause of your headache when determining the most appropriate course of treatment. Some of the most common causes and triggers of head pain in Highland Park and University Park include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Medications
- Birth control pills
- Hormone changes
- Fatigue
- Alcohol
- Nutritional deficiency
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Environmental allergies
- External irritants (gas fumes, paint fumes, chemicals, etc.)
- Fever
- Illness
- Injury/trauma
Headache pain can come on slowly or develop almost instantaneously and has a wide range of possibilities, including:
- Throbbing
- Dull aching
- Sharp pain
- Pressure
- Intense pain
Additionally, headache pain may affect one or both sides of the head, the temples, the forehead, the back of the head, the area behind the eyes, the sinus cavities, and more.
Do I have a headache or a migraine?
When you develop intense or debilitating head pain, you may, understandably, assume you are experiencing a migraine. For patients who have never had a migraine, however, it can be difficult to tell with certainty whether your pain is related to a regular headache or an actual migraine. Like headaches, the symptoms of a migraine can vary from patient to patient, though there are certain features that are typically more indicative of a migraine vs. headache. These include:
- Seeing an aura, lights, or floaters
- Blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Intense, throbbing pain
- Pain that affects one side of the head
- Pain that prevents you from completing simple daily tasks
How are migraines treated?
Our knowledgeable chiropractic team of migraine specialists in Dallas, TX will carefully evaluate and discuss your symptoms, identify the potential cause and/or trigger of your migraine, and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for you. In many cases, behavioral modification and lifestyle changes – such as adjusting your medications, removing certain foods from your diet, and minimizing stress – can dramatically reduce the intensity and frequency of your migraines.
Where should I go for migraine treatment in Dallas, TX?
Because the nature of headache and migraine pain can be extremely complex, it is critical that patients choose a Dallas headache clinic that specializes in the evaluation and treatment of migraines. At The Wellness Institute of Dallas, our team of chiropractors and headache specialists are highly skilled and experienced in even the most complex cases of migraine pain.
Get the migraine relief you deserve with personalized headache treatment in Dallas, TX
Don’t let headache pain rob you of one more minute when you could be enjoying the things you love in Highland Park and University Park. Call The Wellness Institute of Dallas to schedule your private consultation with one of our acclaimed chiropractic providers in Dallas, TX, and take the first step toward loving life once again.